Month: April 2018

Our Super Six for this week opens with World’s Strongest Man, the magnificent third solo album by Gaz Coombes, on which he has evolved from ‘former Supergrass frontman’ to hugely respected Mercury Prize-nominated solo artist. Be More Kind finds Hampshire-born singer-songwriter Frank Turner stepping out of his comfort zone, imbuing his trademark intricate folk and…

Babelsberg is the fifth album by Gruff Rhys, his first record for Rough Trade since 2007’s classic Candylion. The album features orchestral scores by Swansea-based composer Stephen McNeff and the incredible work of the 72-piece BBC National Orchestra of Wales. The result is Gruff’s best record to date – a ten-song gazetteer of modern times,…

Sparkle Hard, the new album from Stephen Malkmus And The Jicks, is light ’n’ breezy, head-down heavy, audacious, melancholic and reflective, good-time and bodacious, and it pulls off the smartest trick: it’s both unmistakeably The Jicks and – due to the streamlining of their trademark tics and turns, plus the introduction of some unexpected flourishes…

We start our 6 of the best for 20 April with Volunteer, yet another fine example of how Old Crow Medicine Show remains one of the most vibrant and forward-thinking traditional bands of their time. Released 50 years after being recorded, Live At The Fillmore East 1968 captures two blistering performances at the legendary New…

Recorded with his band in Manchester at his Crazy Face studios, Call The Comet is the third solo record from former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, and follows the critically acclaimed The Messenger (2013) and Playland (2014), both of which made the UK top 10. “Call The Comet is set in the not-too-distant future,” says Marr,…

We’ve got six gems for you due on 13 April. First up is US folk icon John Prine with The Tree Of Forgiveness, his first album of original material for thirteen years. 40 years on, punk legends The Damned are, unbelievably, still with us! David Vanian and Captain Sensible worked with Tony Visconti on Evil…

Arctic Monkeys return with their new album, entitled Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino. The album was produced by James Ford and Alex Turner, and recorded in Los Angeles, Paris and London. Track listing: Star Treatment / One Point Perspective / American Sports / Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino / Golden Trunks / Four Out Of…